Iraqi boxer wins Olympic bout

Iraqi boxer Najah Ali won his preliminary-round match in the Olympic boxing tournament yesterday, defeating North Korean light flyweight Kwak Hyok Ju 21-7.

Ali is Iraq's only Olympic boxer and the games' smallest fighter at 1.5 meters (4-foot-11) and 48 kilograms (106 pounds). But the 24-year-old won easily, delighting a handful of flag-waving Iraq fans and his American coach, Maurice "Termite" Watkins.

Ali spent six weeks training with the U.S. team earlier this year with his colorful coach, a former car salesman and lightweight boxer. He received a special invitation to compete in Athens.

"I'm a symbol for a lot of people looking for a good life," Ali said. "I'm a symbol for freedom."

Watkins was joined in Ali's corner by Basheer Abdullah, the head coach of the U.S. team. Abdullah wore a bright green warmup outfit with "IRAQ" on the back.

Ali dominated his taller opponent, peppering the Korean with jabs and combinations. With his nation's flag on his chest and Watkins' chosen slogan - "Iraq Is Back" - on the back, Ali repeatedly surprised Kwak, whose big height advantage was no help for the awkward fighter.

When the fight ended, Ali pumped his fist in the air and received several kisses from Watkins, who climbed in the ring after his fighter.

Watkins was joined in Ali's corner by Basheer Abdullah, the head coach of the U.S. team. Abdullah wore a bright green warmup outfit with "IRAQ" on the back.

"I felt as good as a man can feel," Watkins said. "Whether he wins another fight or not, he's a winner now in the Olympics."

Earlier, Cuban heavyweight Odlanier Solis duplicated his three-point victory over Russia's Alexander Alexseev in last year's world championships by winning his bout 24-21.

Solis, Cuba's successor to three-time gold medalist Felix Savon, is a two-time world champion.

In another bout, Chinese light flyweight Zou Shiming outclassed his American opponent Rau Shee Warren on points to gain his first win and hand the Americans their first loss in Athens.

In a first-round encounter, Zou, silver medal winner of the 48-kg category at the 2003 Bangkok world championships, beat the American 22-9 and booked a place in the last 16. He will take on Ethiopian Endalkachew Kebede, who beat Japan's Igarashi Toshiyuki 26-21 on points Wednesday.

"Both Zou and Warren are good boxers and they appeared extremely cautious at the beginning of the match," said Li Qingsheng, head coach of the Chinese boxing team.

"Zou was a bit nervous and his American rival seemed to be even more nervous," he said. "I am not very satisfied with Zou's speed and attacking resolution on the arena, but anyway, it's a good start for him in such a major tournament."

China, whose best Olympic result was a fifth place in the 91kg heavyweight category at Atlanta in 1996, has pinned its hope for an Olympic boxing medal on the 23-year-old Zou.